Risk and complications

Any  surgery carries some degree of risk. It is not usual for a dentist to dwell at length on every possible side effect or rare but serious complication of any dental procedure. However, it is important that you have enough information to weigh up the benefits and risks of wisdom tooth extraction.

Most people will not have complications, but if you have concerns about possible complications, discuss them with your dentist. Pain, swelling and limited jaw opening for few days are normal conditions after wisdom tooth surgery.

The following possible complications are listed to inform you, not to alarm you. There may be other complications that are not listed.

Having your wisdom teeth removed is considered a pretty minor and straightforward procedure. However, it is important to remember that it is a surgery and all surgery carries an element of risk.  Provided that you are at a quality dentist the chances of these complications are very rare as most oral surgeons are extremely well trained in dealing with any complications that may arise.

There is a nerve that is located near the wisdom tooth which carries signals from your chin, your lower lip and your lower teeth to your brain. Now with most people there is a gap that exists between the nerve and your wisdom teeth. However, there are cases where that gap doesn’t exist. If this is the case then the nerve can become irritated by the surgery which can lead to your lips or the lower half of your jaw being numb for a few days or maybe weeks after your surgery. In extreme rare cases, the effect may also be permanent.

There will be slight bleeding during and after the operation. If there is excessive bleeding during the operation your dentist will contain the problem using pressure of sutures. After the surgery if the bleeding continues bite down on some gauze that your dentist will have provided you. This should contain the problem. Other important measures that are often helpful are to have ice cold drink sips, and application of ice pack on the cheek on surgery side. If bleeding persists it’s important to contact your dentist.

There is a thin membrane that should separate the nasal cavity from the gap left by your extracted wisdom tooth. However, sometimes the wisdom tooth removal may rupture the membrane creating a connecting hole between your sinus cavity and the empty tooth cavity. If this does occur the dentist will plug it with sutures. It’s important to notify your dentist if after the operation when you drink water it comes out your nose. Your dentist will advise you not to blow your nose for a couple of days after the operation to help prevent the connecting hole from forming. It is highly recommended, not to sneeze or cough with your nose or mouth closed respectively. It is best to let it go and use a tissue away from your face. This will prevent any sudden change in pressure around the socket.

This occurs when after the surgery, the blood clot that has formed in the extraction site accidentally falls away. This will result in the bone beneath being exposed. This can be painful; your dentist will give you instructions on how to take care of your mouth to prevent this from happening.

It is natural for a little infection to occur. This infection will lead to a slight swelling which should go down in around 3 – 7 days. The infection will be controlled by the antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. However, if the swelling starts to increase after the operation you should contact your dental surgeon immediately.

Wisdom teeth can cause many problems including cysts, infection, impaction and other painful problems. Removing your wisdom teeth is a great option to negate these negative effects but it’s important to remember that dental surgery is still a surgery. It has risks involved with it. If you are worried about any of the above risks please consult your dentist.